The Merchants of Whitefish Bay strive to improve our community and support all of our Merchant members. We aim to highlight the local establishments to increase awareness for everyone in our neighborhood and beyond.
My name is Leah Steger, 3rd generation of Winkie’s Hallmark and Gifts. This is a story about my family and Winkie's. The store Winkie’s has been in the Milwaukee area since the 1930’s. The last name of the original owner was Winkie. At one point in time there were 5 locations throughout the north side of Milwaukee. The store was considered a “five and dime” where you could buy anything from candy to crafts to hardware to hosiery and “notions”. The store was beloved as a community “one stop shop”.
My grandparents, Donald and Dorothy Stuhlmacher, met while working at the store when they were teenagers. My Grandfather was a city boy working as a stocker at Winkie’s and my Grandmother came from a farm in Oshkosh to live with her sister in Milwaukee and start to make a life for herself. They had a very close relationship with the Winkie family and upon my Grandfather’s return from WWII he was promoted to manager and oversaw much of the business. When my Dad (Tom) and his brother (Terry) were old enough to start working they took main responsibility for the location on the corner of Silver Spring and Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay, which is the only remaining Winkie’s store today. The Silver Spring Winkie’s has been there for over 50 years. Tom and Terry’s wives, Julie and Beth, both joined them in the business along with their collective 5 children. While the store has had to evolve over the years to remain competitive, it has always stayed true to core values of integrity, nurturing relationships and old-fashioned charm. We take pride in our long standing involvement with the community and celebrate the many friendships developed over the 90+ years! 😊
Today, Winkie’s Hallmark & Gifts offers unique items for every day and holiday. Some of our featured collections include custom printed Wisconsin, Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee items, our vast selection of greeting cards, quality jigsaw puzzles, candles and candlesticks, delicious candy and chocolate from the famous candy case, beautiful home décor for every season and celebration, and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else! Many of which are also found on our website: www.winkiesgifts.com Be sure to also follow us on Facebook @winkieshallmark and Instagram @winkiesgifts!
At Winkie’s Toys & Variety, we stock our shelves with board games, toys for all ages, hobby and craft items, and the classic "five and dime" variety that has made the Winkie's brand locally famous! Our customers' favorites are the award-winning board games and toys, latex and mylar helium balloons, much needed office and school supplies, all sorts of sports equipment, and everyone loves our always free gift wrapping of any items! Of course, the kids love to pop downstairs for the candy aisle – from classics to everyday favorites! Find more about Winkie's Toys & Variety at www.winkiestoysandvariety.com and on Facebook at @shopwinkies.
